Tooling For Partial Disassembly Of A Bypass Turbofan Engine

ABSTRACT

Tooling for partial disassembly of a bypass turbofan engine wherein the longitudinal axis of the bypass turbofan engine remains generally horizontal during disassembly. The low pressure turbine module is removed with a low pressure turbine module horizontal removal tool. An extended bearing nut tool may be supported by a stabilization member and may remove a bearing nut. An extended high pressure turbine shaft stretching tool may stretch a high pressure turbine shaft to release a high pressure turbine shaft nut. An extended bearing pulling tool may be used to pull a bearing while the low pressure turbine shaft remains in place. A modified measurement bridge may be used to measure the position of certain components while the low pressure turbine shaft remains in place. A nozzle jig may be used to assemble nozzles and feather seals to create a nozzle module. And an arcuate datum may be used to make certain measurements from the aft end of the high pressure turbine shaft while the low pressure turbine shaft remains in place.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of, and claims the benefit of priorityof, pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/222,929, filed Mar. 24,2014, which is a divisional of, and claims the benefit of priority of,pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/973,565, filed Dec. 20,2010, and which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The Honeywell HTF 7000 bypass turbofan engine is typical of the enginesused on commercial business jets. Business jet engines require periodicinspection and repair that may require removal of the engine from theaircraft.

Removal of an engine from an aircraft is expensive in that it requiresnot only the investment in disconnecting and reconnecting the enginefrom the aircraft but it may also require a test flight of the aircraftonce the engine has been reattached. Typically, conventional inspectionor repair of the aft portion of the HTF 7000 engine required that theengine be removed from the aircraft. The inlet spinner was removed fromthe engine and the engine was positioned with the longitudinal axisbeing vertical and the inlet portion of the engine being down. Thuspositioned, the engine could be disassembled from the aft and relevantportions of the engine could be inspected and repaired as needed.

While disassembly of the HTF 7000 from the rear of the engine with theengine remaining on the aircraft presents many advantages, heretofore,tools and procedures for effectively doing so were unknown.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method for partial disassembly of a bypass turbofan engine is providedwherein the longitudinal axis of the bypass turbofan engine remainshorizontal. The method comprises the steps of connecting a first end ofa low pressure turbine module horizontal removal tool to an aft end of alow pressure turbine module; attaching a second end of the low pressureturbine module horizontal removal tool to a lift, the connection beinggenerally above the center of gravity of the low pressure turbine moduleand the connected low pressure turbine module horizontal removal tool;adjusting the upward force applied by the lift to counteract the forceof gravity on the low pressure turbine module and the connected lowpressure turbine module horizontal removal tool; applying a generallyhorizontal force to the low pressure turbine module to separate it fromthe engine; disengaging a bearing nut by positioning an extended bearingnut tool over a low pressure turbine shaft, the bearing nut toolengaging notches in the bearing nut and notches in a seal plate toimpart a disengaging torque to the bearing nut; positioning a measuringbridge adjacent the aft end of the bypass turbofan engine to bedisassembled, the measuring bridge positioned adjacent the low pressureturbine shaft, the measuring bridge providing a stable datum from whichmeasurements may be taken; pulling a bearing by placing an extendedbearing pulling tool around the low pressure turbine shaft, the extendedbearing pulling tool gripping the bearing and applying a disengaginggenerally horizontal force to the bearing when the extended bearingpulling tool applies an opposing generally horizontal force to the lowpressure turbine shaft; stretching a high pressure turbine shaft byplacing an extended high pressure turbine shaft stretching toolingaround the low pressure turbine shaft, a first portion of the extendedhigh pressure turbine shaft stretching tool engaging the high pressureturbine shaft, a second portion of the extended high pressure turbineshaft stretching tooling engaging the seal plate, the extended highpressure turbine shaft stretching tooling transferring opposinggenerally horizontal forces to the high pressure turbine shaft and theseal plate to stretch the high pressure turbine shaft; and removing anozzle assembly with a first stage nozzle assembly retaining tool, thenozzle assembly comprised of a plurality of interlocked nozzle segmentsand feather seals, the first stage nozzle assembly retaining toolsecuring the nozzle assembly such that the plurality of nozzle segmentsand feather seals remain interlocked upon removal.

In one embodiment, the low pressure turbine horizontal removal toolpermits rotational freedom of the low pressure turbine module about themodule's longitudinal axis.

In another embodiment, the low pressure turbine horizontal removal toolfacilitates rotation of the low pressure turbine module longitudinalaxis from horizontal to vertical.

In another embodiment, the nozzle assembly is placed in a nozzleassembly jig adapted to properly position the plurality of interlockednozzle segments and feather seals, and the nozzle assembly jigfacilitates the interlocked construction of the nozzle assembly fromindividual nozzle segments and feather seals.

In one embodiment, a support is inserted between the high pressureturbine shaft and a component radially displaced from the high pressureturbine shaft.

In another embodiment, a stabilization member is engaged with thecombustion chamber case; and the extended bearing nut tool is supportedon the stabilization member.

In yet another embodiment, a stabilization member is engaged with thecombustion chamber case and the extended high pressure turbine shaftstretching tool is supported on the stabilization member.

In one embodiment, a datum member having an arcuate portion is used toengage the aft end of the high pressure turbine shaft such that distancemay be measured from the datum member.

Another embodiment provides a tool adapted to remove a low pressureturbine module from a bypass turbofan engine while the bypass turbofanengine's longitudinal axis is generally horizontal. The tool has anattachment member adapted to connect to the low pressure turbine module.The tool also has an engagement member that is detachably connectable tothe attachment member. The tool also has a lift member that is pivotallyconnected to the engagement member and the lift member has a lift pointpositioned generally over the center of gravity of the tool and theconnected low pressure turbine module. The lift point is connectable toa lift.

In one embodiment, the lift member is pivotally connectable to theengagement member such that the low pressure turbine module may rotateabout its longitudinal axis when connected to the lift member.

In another embodiment, the lift member is pivotally connectable to theengagement member such that the connected low pressure turbine module'slongitudinal axis may be rotated from being generally horizontal tobeing generally vertical about a pivot in the lift member.

In one embodiment, a tool system is adapted for the assembly ordisassembly of a portion of a bypass turbofan engine while thelongitudinal axis of the engine is generally horizontal. The systemcomprises a low pressure turbine module horizontal removal tool. The lowpressure turbine module removal tool is adapted to connect to a lowpressure turbine module when the longitudinal axis of the bypassturbofan engine is generally horizontal. The low pressure turbine modulehorizontal removal tool is connectable with a lift at a lift point, and,the lift point is positioned generally above the center of gravity ofthe low pressure turbine module and connected to the low pressureturbine module horizontal removal tool.

In one embodiment, a stabilization member is adapted to connect to acombustion chamber case; and an extended bearing nut tool is adapted tosurround a low pressure turbine shaft while engaging a bearing nut. Thestabilization member is adapted to support the extended bearing nut toolsuch that the longitudinal axis of the extended bearing nut tool isgenerally horizontal when the extended bearing nut tool engages thebearing nut.

Another embodiment has an extended high pressure turbine shaftstretching tool adapted to surround the low pressure turbine shaft. Astabilization member is adapted to support the extended high pressureturbine shaft stretching tool such that the longitudinal axis of theextended high pressure turbine shaft stretching tool is generallyhorizontal when the extended high pressure turbine shaft stretching toolengages a high pressure turbine shaft.

One embodiment has an extended bearing pulling tool adapted to apply agenerally horizontal compressive force to the low pressure turbine shaftand a generally horizontal tension force to a bearing.

Another embodiment has a first stage high pressure turbine nozzleassembly retaining tool. The nozzle assembly is comprised of a pluralityof interlocked nozzle segments and feather seals. The first stage nozzleassembly retaining tool secures the nozzle assembly such that theplurality of nozzle segments and feather seals remain interlocked uponremoval. The embodiment also has a nozzle assembly jig adapted toproperly position the plurality of interlocked nozzle segments andfeather seals. The nozzle assembly jig facilitating the interlockedconstruction of the nozzle assembly from the nozzle segments and featherseals.

In another embodiment, the system has a low pressure turbine modulehorizontal removal tool that is adapted to permit rotation of the lowpressure turbine module about the longitudinal axis of the low pressureturbine module.

In one embodiment, the low pressure turbine module horizontal removaltool has a pivot adapted to permit rotation of the longitudinal axis ofthe low pressure turbine module from generally horizontal to generallyvertical.

One embodiment provides a low-pressure turbine module removal toolcomprising a low-pressure turbine module engagement member disengablyconnectable to a low-pressure turbine module and a lift memberrotationally connectable to the low-pressure turbine module engagementmember. The lift member is connectable to a lift.

In another embodiment, the low-pressure turbine module engagement memberdetachably connects to the low-pressure turbine module by compressing aportion of the low-pressure turbine module against a portion of the lowpressure turbine module engagement member.

In one embodiment, the low-pressure turbine module engagement member hasa flange positionable adjacent a low-pressure turbine module lip and aplurality of brackets adapted to compress the lip against the flange.

In one embodiment, the low-pressure turbine module engagement member isdetachably connectable to the low pressure turbine module. Thelow-pressure turbine module engagement member is detachably connectableto a hub. The hub is rotationably connected to a lift member that isconnectable to a lift at a position generally above the center ofgravity of the low-pressure module and connected removal tool.

In another embodiment, the lift member comprises a first member; asecond member and a bracket connected to the first member. The secondmember is pivotally connected to the bracket such that the second membermay be fixed in a first position relative to the second member androtated to a second position relative to the second member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a low-pressure turbinemodule removal tool connected to a low-pressure turbine module assembledto a bypass turbofan engine.

FIG. 2 is a partial exploded view of one embodiment of a low-pressureturbine module removal toll.

FIG. 3 is a partial cut away perspective view of one embodiment of alow-pressure turbine module engagement member connected to alow-pressure turbine module lip.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a low-pressure turbinemodule removal tool connected to a low-pressure turbine module detachedfrom a bypass turbofan engine.

FIG. 5A is a side view of one embodiment of a low-pressure turbinemodule removal tool in a first position.

FIG. 5B is a side view of one embodiment of a low-pressure turbinemodule removal tool in a second position.

FIG. 5C is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of alow-pressure turbine module removal tool.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of a bypass turbofan engineand one embodiment of an extended nut removal tool.

FIG. 7A is a cut away view of one embodiment of an extended nut removaltool.

FIG. 7B is a side view of one embodiment of an extended nut removaltool.

FIG. 7C is an end view of one embodiment of an extended nut removaltool.

FIG. 7D is a partial exploded perspective view of one embodiment of anextended nut removal tool.

FIG. 7E is a perspective view of one embodiment of an extended nutremoval tool.

FIG. 7F is a partial view of an embodiment of an extended nut removaltool.

FIG. 7G is a partial view of an embodiment of an extended nut removaltool.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an extended nutremoval tool.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a support.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an extended measuringbridge.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an arcuate measuringtool.

FIG. 12A is a perspective and partial exploded view of one embodiment ofan extended bearing pulling tool attached to a bypass turbofan engine.

FIG. 12B is an exploded view of one embodiment of an extend bearingpuller half.

FIG. 12C is a perspective view of one embodiment of an extended bearingpuller attached to a bypass turbofan engine.

FIG. 13 is a cutaway side view of one embodiment of a high-pressureturbine shaft stretch fixture.

FIG. 14A is a side cutaway view of one embodiment of an extendedhigh-pressure turbine shaft coupling.

FIG. 14B is a side view of one embodiment of an extended high-pressureturbine shaft coupling.

FIG. 14C is an end view of one embodiment of an extended high-pressureturbine shaft coupling nut.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an extendedhigh-pressure turbine shaft stretch fixture, ram and extendedhigh-pressure turbine shaft coupling attached to a bypass turbofanengine.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a spacer supportingcomponents of a bypass turbofan engine away from the high-pressureturbine shaft.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a high-pressureturbine nozzle module retaining tool connected to a high-pressureturbine nozzle module.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a high-pressure turbine nozzle moduleon a high-pressure turbine nozzle module jig.

FIG. 19 is a partial perspective view of a combustor can.

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a high-pressure turbinenozzle module retaining tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Horizontal disassembly of an engine(10) such as the HTF 7000 from therear requires removal of the aft sump(not shown) and number 5bearing(not shown) as is conventionally known. Next, the low-pressureturbine module(12) may be removed. FIG. 1 depicts a horizontallow-pressure turbine module removal tool(14) connected to thelow-pressure turbine module(12) with the low-pressure turbine module(12)attached to the remainder of the engine(10). The engine's(10)longitudinal axis is generally horizontal.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of the horizontal low-pressure moduleremoval tool(14). In one embodiment, the tool(14) has a detachablelow-pressure turbine module attachment member(16), a hub(18) connectedto a shaft(20) that rotationally engages a friction reducing insert(22)interposed between the shaft(20) and a cylindrical insert housing(24)that is connected to a vertical support member(26). The frictionreducing insert(22) may be made of any material minimizing frictionbetween components, such as, Teflon. The vertical support member(26) isconnected to a horizontal support member(27). The low-pressure turbinemodule attachment member(16) may be connected to the low-pressureturbine module(12).

In one embodiment, the low-pressure turbine module attachment member(16)has an attachment member flange(28) that may be positioned adjacent alow-pressure turbine module lip(30) as shown in FIG. 3. A u-shapedsecuring bracket(32) may be inserted into a securing bracket slot(34)such that the securing bracket(32) extends radially adjacent thelow-pressure turbine module lip(30) on the side opposite the adjacentattachment member flange(28). A bracket bolt(36) engages the securingbracket(32) through a bracket bolt aperture(38) in the low-pressureturbine module attachment member(16). Upon tightening the bracketbolt(36), the low-pressure turbine module lip(30) is secured between thesecuring bracket(32) and the attachment member flange(28).

The low-pressure turbine module attachment member(16) also has aplurality of slots(34) that are alignable over pre-existing low-pressureturbine bolt apertures(40) in the low-pressure turbine module(12).Bolts(42) may be threaded into the pre-existing apertures(40) in thelow-pressure turbine module(12) to provide a redundant connectionbetween the low-pressure turbine module attachment member(16) and thelow-pressure turbine module(12) or to prevent the low pressure turbinemodule(12) from rotating relative to the attachment member(16). Oneskilled in the art will readily recognize other possible methods ofconnecting a low pressure turbine attachment member(16) to thelow-pressure turbine module(12).

In the embodiment depicted, a plurality of fingers(44) extend from thelow-pressure turbine module attachment member(16) surface remote fromthe low-pressure turbine module(12). The fingers(44) facilitateconnection with the hub(18). The hub(18) has a plurality of protrudingreceivers(46) adapted to receive the fingers(44) protruding from thelow-pressure turbine module attachment member(16). In the embodimentdepicted, pins(48) slidingly engage apertures in the fingers(44) andreceivers(46) to connect the hub(18) to the low-pressure turbine moduleattachment member(16) to form the complete horizontal low-pressureturbine module removal tool(14).

FIG. 4 depicts the low-pressure turbine module(12) supported by thehorizontal low-pressure turbine module removal tool(14). The horizontalsupport member(27) extends from the vertical support(26) and has a liftpoint(49) that corresponds to the center of gravity of the low-pressureturbine module(12) and connected horizontal low-pressure turbine moduleremoval tool(14). The lift point(49) is connectable to a lift thatfacilitates the horizontal removal of the low pressure turbine module.

In another embodiment, the vertical support(26) has a pivot(50)interposed between a first vertical support member(52) and a secondvertical support member(54) (as shown in FIG. 5A). A vertical supportmember pin(56) may be inserted through apertures(57) in bracket(58) thatconnects the first vertical support member(52) and the second verticalsupport member(54). The pin(56) secures the second vertical supportmember(54) in a position that is generally perpendicular to the axis ofthe shaft(20), as shown in FIG. 5A, when the pin(56) engages the firstaperture in the second vertical support member(54). When the secondvertical support member(54) rotates to a position that is generallyparallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft(20), as depicted in FIG.5B, the pin(56) may be inserted through aperture(57) and engage the sideof second vertical support member(54) to secure low pressure turbinemodule removal tool in the position depicted. FIG. 5C depicts anexploded view of one embodiment.

The use of the horizontal low-pressure turbine module removal tool(14)is briefly described below:

An HTF 7000 engine(10), sans aft sump and number 5 bearing, is orientedsuch that its longitudinal axis is generally horizontal. A low-pressureturbine module attachment member(16) is placed generally where the aftsump had been located. The attachment member flange(28) is placedadjacent the aft-side of the low pressure turbo module lip(30) and aplurality of securing brackets(32) are inserted through securing bracketslots(34) such that they extend radially adjacent the fore-side of thelow-pressure turbine module lip(30). Bracket bolts(36) are inserted intobracket bolt apertures(38) in the low-pressure turbine module attachmentmember(16) and engage the plurality of securing brackets(32) placedadjacent the fore side of the low-pressure turbine module lip(30). Upontightening the bracket bolts(36), the securing brackets(32) create acompressive force securing the low-pressure turbine module lip(30)between the attachment member flange(28) and the securing brackets(32).

In one embodiment, as a precaution, a plurality of slots(34) in thelow-pressure turbine module attachment member(16) align overpre-existing threaded bolt apertures(40) in the low-pressure turbinemodule(12). Bolts(42) may be threaded into the pre-existing boltapertures(40) and engage the low-pressure turbine module attachmentmember(16) to provide a redundant securement of the low-pressure turbinemodule(12) to the low-pressure turbine module attachment member(16). Thebolts also prevent rotation of the low-pressure turbine moduleattachment member(16) relative to the low-pressure turbine module(12).

Once the low-pressure turbine module attachment member(16) is connectedto the low-pressure turbine module(12), the hub(18) may be positionedsuch that the fingers(44) of the low-pressure turbine module attachmentmember(16) engage the receivers(46) in the horizontal lifting brackethub(18). Pins(48) are inserted in the apertures in the receivers(46) andfingers(44) to securely connect the horizontal lifting bracket hub(18)to the low-pressure turbine module attachment member(16). Onceconnected, the vertical support member(26) and connected horizontalsupport member(27) may be rotated about the axis of the hub(18) and thelift point(49) may then be connected to a lift. The lift point(49) isselected such that it is generally above the center of gravity of thelow-pressure turbine module(12) and attached horizontal low-pressureturbine module removal tool(14). The lift point(49), positioned abovethe center of gravity of the combined low-pressure turbine module(12)and horizontal low-pressure turbine module removal tool(14), enables theapplication of a lifting force that counteracts the force of gravity onthe low-pressure turbine module(12) without creating any undesirableloads that might cause binding or abrupt movements that might damagefragile sealing mechanisms or other components of the engine(10). Oncethe proper lifting force is applied to the horizontal low-pressureturbine module removal tool(14), the low-pressure turbine module(12) maybe disengaged from the remainder of the engine(10), as is knownconventionally and the low-pressure turbine module(12) may be translatedgenerally horizontally along the longitudinal axis of the engine(10)until the low-pressure turbine module(12) is completely disengaged fromthe engine(10) as depicted in FIG. 4.

In one embodiment, once the low-pressure turbine module(12) has beenremoved from the engine(10), the vertical support member pin(56) can beremoved from its first position and placed in its second position. Whenthe vertical support pin(56) is in the second position, the secondvertical support member(54) is in an orientation generally parallel withthe axis of the hub(18), as shown in FIG. 5B. Once the second verticalsupport member(54) is positioned generally parallel with the axis of thehub(18), the low-pressure turbine module(12) can be safely lowered ontoa support structure such that the low-pressure turbine module(12)'slongitudinal axis is generally vertical. In this position, thelow-pressure turbine module(12) may be safely stored until reassembly orthe horizontal low-pressure turbine module removal tool(14) can beremoved from the low-pressure turbine module(12) and the low-pressureturbine module(12) may be further disassembled.

The low-pressure turbine module(12) may be reconnected to the engine(10)generally by reversing the process previously described. It should benoted that upon reassembly, the friction reducing insert(22) permitsrotation of the low-pressure turbine module(12) about its longitudinalaxis which facilitates proper alignment of the low-pressure turbinemodule(12) with the engine(10) for reassembly.

During on-wing disassembly, the low-pressure turbine shaft(60) mayremain in place, thus tooling used for the horizontal disassembly andassembly of the aft components of a by-pass turbofan engine(10) such asthe HTF 7000 must accommodate the aft extending low-pressure turbineshaft(60) as shown in FIG. 6. As will be apparent to one of ordinaryskill in the art, the extended nut removal tool(61), and other toolsdiscussed below, are similar to tools that would be used in aconventional assembly or disassembly but are adapted to accommodate theextending low-pressure turbine shaft(60).

In one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 7A, the extended nut removaltool(61) has an outer body(62) and an inner body(63). The outer body(62)encases the inner body(63). Outer body pins(64) extend slightly past theinterior surface of the outer body(62). Outer body pins(64) engage aninner body lip(65) to prevent the inner body(63) from unintentionallyseparating from the outer body(62). The proximal end of the outerbody(62) has two torque apertures(66) and an outer body torque baraperture(67). These features are also depicted in FIGS. 7c and 7d . Atthe distal end of the outer body of the extended nut removal tool(61)are a plurality of seal plate engaging teeth(68). The proximal end ofthe inner body(63) has a torque bar(69) that extends through the outerbody torque bar aperture(67). The distal end of the inner body(63) has aplurality of radially inwardly extending nut engaging teeth(70). The nutengaging teeth(70) and seal plate engaging teeth(68) are also depictedin FIG. 7E. FIGS. 7F and 7G also show the nut engaging teeth(70).

The seal plate engaging teeth and nut engaging teeth are subjected tosignificant forces and may become worn with time. Worn teeth may lead toslippage and damage to valuable components as well as danger to thoseworking adjacent the tool. One embodiment of the present inventionprovides hardened replaceable teeth to overcome the shortcomings ofknown bypass turbofan engine nut removal tools. In this embodiment, theouter body(62) has a plurality of slots(71) at its distal end. Hardenedremovable teeth(72) slidingly engage the slots(71) such that the removalteeth(72) fit securely within the slots(71). A securement ring(73) fitsin a recess(74) in the removable teeth(72) such that the removableteeth(72) are securely held in the slots(71). Screws(75) connect thesecurement ring(73) to the outer body(62). If a first end(76) of theremovable teeth(72) becomes worn, the securement ring(73) and removableteeth(72) may be removed and, if not previously worn, the teeth(72) maybe repositioned such that the second end(77) of the teeth(72) willproject from the outer body(62).

Replaceable nut engaging teeth(78) may also slidingly engage slots(79)in the distal end of inner body(63). The nut engaging teeth(78) have afirst end(80) and a second end(81). If the first end(80) becomes worn,the teeth(78) may be removed and rotated to expose the second end(81).The replaceable nut engaging teeth(78) are held in place by a pluralityof screws(82) that pass through an apertures(83) in the inner body(63)and engage the replaceable nut engaging teeth(78).

As understood by those of skill in the art, in vertical construction anddeconstruction of by-pass turbofan engines(10) such as the HTF 7000, theweight of the nut removal tool(61) enhances engagement of the tool withthe number 4 bearing nut grooves(84) and the seal plate notches(85),shown in FIG. 6. In the horizontal assembly or disassembly of a by-passturbofan engine(10), the weight of the extended nut removal tool(61)does not enhance its engagement with the number 4 bearing nutgrooves(84) and the seal plate notches(85). In one embodiment, acradle(86), as shown in FIG. 9, is used to support the extended nutremoval tool(61) such that the tool's longitudinal axis remainshorizontal and proper engagement with the number 4 bearing nutgrooves(84) and seal plate notches(85) is facilitated. In oneembodiment, the cradle(86) has three legs(88) that detachably connect tothe periphery of the combustion chamber(90).

A brief description of the use of the extended nut removal tool(61) andcradle(86) follows:

The legs(88) of the cradle(86) are bolted to holes(91) in the peripheryof the combustion chamber(90) such that the cradle(86) extends away fromthe aft of the combustion chamber periphery(90). The extended nutremoval tool(61) is positioned such that the seal plate engagingteeth(68) are engaged with the seal plate notches(85) and the nutengaging teeth(70) are engaged with the number 4 bearing nut grooves(84)and the opposite end of the tool(61) is supported by the cradle(86). Theextended nut removal tool(61) is supported by the cradle(86) such thatits longitudinal access is generally horizontal and is aligned with thelongitudinal axis of the engine(10). Once the extended nut removaltool(61) is engaged with the seal plate notches(85) and the number 4bearing nut grooves(84), a torque multiplier(not shown), as is known inthe art, slidingly engages the torque bar(69) while protrusions on thetorque multiplier engage the torque apertures(66). Upon activation ofthe torque multiplier, a nut-releasing torque is applied to the number 4bearing nut(92) and a counter torque is applied to the seal plate(94).The process is reversed for assembly.

During assembly and disassembly of a by-pass turbofan engine(10) such asthe HTF 7000, recording the relative position of certain components iscritical for proper reassembly of the engine(10). As knownconventionally, in the HTF 7000 engine(10) disassembly, measurements ofthe number 4 bearing(95) relative to the aft end of the low-pressureturbine shaft(60) and measurements of the second stage high-pressureturbine wheel(97) relative to the aft end of the high-pressure turbineshaft(96) are taken such that it can be verified upon reassembly thatthe number 4 bearing(95) and second stage high-pressure turbinewheel(97) are properly positioned on the high-pressure turbineshaft(96). In conventional assembly and disassembly of a by-passturbofan engine(10), a measuring bridge(not shown) is provided. Theconventional measuring bridge extends across the longitudinal axis ofthe engine(10) and provides a datum from which measurements can betaken. A conventional measuring bridge is unworkable when the engine(10)is being disassembled while its longitudinal axis is horizontal becausethe low pressure turbine shaft(60) interferes with the normal placementof the measuring bridge.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an extended measuringbridge(98) is provided, as shown in FIG. 10. The extended measuringbridge(98) has an extended measuring datum(99) that has an aperture(100)through which the low pressure turbine shaft(60) can pass and a pair oflegs(101) that engage the combustion chamber periphery(90). In practice,when the extended measuring bridge(98) is attached to the combustionchamber periphery(90), measurements can be taken from the extendedmeasuring bridge datum(99) to record the relative placement of thenumber 4 bearing(95) and the second stage high-pressure turbinewheel(97) before these components are removed. Upon reassembly,measurements are taken from the extended measuring bridge datum(99) toverify proper placement of the number 4 bearing(95) and second stagehigh-pressure turbine wheel(97).

Additional measurements may be taken from the aft end of the highpressure turbine shaft(96) after further disassembly. Such are difficultduring horizontal disassembly because the low-pressure turbine shaft(60)prevents stable engagement of a measuring tool with the aft end of thehigh pressure turbine shaft(96). In one embodiment, an arcuate measuringtool(102), as shown in FIG. 11, is provided that threads on the aft endof the high pressure turbine shaft(96) adjacent the protruding lowpressure turbine shaft(60). The arcuate measuring tool(102) provides anarcuate datum(103) from which measurements may be taken.

Once the measurements are taken from the extended measuring bridge, thenumber 4 bearing(95) can be removed. When the axis of the HTF 7000by-pass turbofan engine(10) is horizontal an extended number 4 bearingpuller(104) is needed to pull the number 4 bearing(95). The extendednumber 4 bearing puller(104) is identical to a conventional number 4bearing puller except that it is extended to compensate for the presenceof the low pressure turbine shaft(60). To pull the number 4 bearing(95)of the HTF 7000 by-pass turbofan engine, extending number 4 bearingpuller halves(106) are placed around the number 4 bearing(95) and engagethe fore-side of the number 4 bearing(95), as show in FIG. 12A. Theextended number 4 bearing puller(104) has a screw mechanism(108) thatcreates a pulling force on the number 4 bearing(95). At the distal endof the screw mechanism(108) is a low-pressure turbine shaftengager(110). The low-pressure turbine shaft engager(110) also engagesthe screw mechanism(108) that is threaded into a bearing pullerengager(114).

The extended number 4 bearing puller(104) is assembled around the number4 bearing(95), as shown in FIG. 12A, such that the distal lips(113), asshown in FIG. 12B, of the extended number 4 bearing puller halves(106)engage the fore side of the number 4 bearing(95) and surround theprotruding low-pressure turbine shaft(60). The low-pressure turbineshaft engager(110) is placed against the aft end of the low-pressureturbine shaft(60) and the bearing puller engager(114) engages theproximal lips(115) of the extended number 4 bearing puller halves(106).As shown in FIG. 12C, a ring(116) is placed over the extended number 4bearing puller halves(106) to keep them together. Once the extendednumber 4 bearing puller(104) is assembled, torque may be applied to thescrew mechanism(108) which forces the bearing puller engager(114) awayfrom the low-pressure turbine shaft engager(110). The resultingcompressive force on the screw mechanism(108) creates a tension force onthe extended number 4 bearing puller halves(106) and pulls the number 4bearing(95) off of the high-pressure turbine shaft(96).

Once the number 4 bearing(95) is removed, the high-pressure turbinenut(not shown) can be removed. An extended high-pressure turbine shaftstretch fixture(118), shown in FIG. 13, is similar to existing stretchfixtures except that it is adapted to accommodate the presence of thelow-pressure turbine shaft(60). The extended high-pressure turbine shaftstretch fixture(118) has a seal plate engaging end(120) and a ramengaging end(122). In use, the seal plate engaging end(120) is placedadjacent the seal plate(94) on the engine(10). An extended high-pressureturbine shaft coupling(124), shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, has ahigh-pressure turbine shaft engaging end(126) that is threadinglyengagable with the high-pressure turbine shaft(96) when inserted in theextended high-pressure turbine shaft stretch fixture(118). The extendedhigh-pressure turbine shaft coupling(124) has a threaded high-pressureturbine shaft engaging end(126) at its distal end and ram nutthreads(128) that can engage a ram nut(130), shown in FIG. 14C, at itsproximal end. It should be noted that the extended high-pressure turbineshaft coupling(124) is similar to known high-pressure turbine shaftcouplings(124) but it is modified to accommodate the existence of thelow-pressure turbine shaft(60).

In practice, once the extended high-pressure tool shaft stretchfixture(118) is placed adjacent the seal plate(94) and the extendedhigh-pressure turbine shaft coupling(124) is threadingly engaged withthe high-pressure turbine shaft(96), a hydraulic ram(131) is placedadjacent the extended high-pressure turbine shaft stretch fixture ramengaging end(122), as shown in FIG. 15. The extended high-pressureturbine shaft coupling(124) extends through the center of the ram(131)and the ram nut(130) is threadingly engaged with the ram nutthreads(128) on the extended high-pressure turbine shaft coupling(124)to secure the ram(131) adjacent the extended high-pressure turbine shaftstretch fixture ram engaging end(122). Once the ram nut(130) is securedadjacent the ram(131), the hydraulic ram(131) can be activated and anaxial force is applied to the extended high-pressure tool shaftcoupling(124) that is transferred to the high-pressure turbine shaft(96)and the high-pressure turbine shaft(96) is stretched.

Once the high-pressure turbine shaft(96) has been stretched, thehigh-pressure turbine nut(not shown) can be removed as is conventionallyknown.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a spacer(132), as shown inFIG. 16, is slid along the top of the generally horizontally orientedhigh-pressure turbine shaft(96), once the second stage high-pressureturbine wheel(133) has been removed. The spacer(132) maintains theproper orientation of components within the high-pressure turbine andprevents them from falling against the high-pressure turbine shaft(96)as high-pressure turbine components are removed. The spacer(132)preferably is made of a rigid non-marring material such as wood orTeflon.

Once the second stage high-pressure turbine wheel(133) has been removed,the second stage high-pressure turbine nozzle module(134) may beremoved. As shown in FIGS. 17-19, the second stage high-pressure turbinenozzles(136) are connected to one another with feather seals(138) toform the second stage high-pressure turbine nozzle module(134) and areheld in place by a plurality of protrusions(140) on the combustor canthat engage notches(142) in the individual nozzles(136).

The second stage high-pressure turbine nozzles(136) have a lip(143) ontheir aft periphery when the nozzle is assembled and installed. Toremove the second stage high-pressure turbine nozzle module(134), asecond stage high-pressure turbine nozzle retaining tool(144) is used.The tool(144) has a plate(146) with handles(148) on its proximal side.As shown in FIG. 20, the second stage high-pressure turbine nozzleretaining tool(144) also has a plurality of arcuate retentionmembers(150) spaced from the distal end of the second stagehigh-pressure turbine nozzle retaining tool plate's(146) distal side.The retention members(150) may be extended radially outward past thesecond stage high-pressure turbine nozzle segments aft peripherylips(143) as the second stage high-pressure turbine nozzle retainingtool(134) is positioned adjacent the second stage high-pressure turbinenozzle module(144). Once retention members(150) are past the secondstage high-pressure turbine nozzle segments aft periphery lips(143), theretention members(150) may be translated inwardly such that theretention members(150) are on the fore side of the second stagehigh-pressure turbine nozzle segments aft periphery lips(143) and theplate(146) is on the aft side of the second stage high-pressure turbinenozzle segments aft periphery lips(143). The retention members(150) canbe secured to the plate(146) by tightening bolts(152) and the capturednozzles(136) are retained in their proper position and can be removedfrom the engine(10).

Once removed, the nozzle module(134) may be placed in a second stagehigh-pressure turbine nozzle alignment fixture(154). The fixture(154)has a planar upper surface(156) from which a plurality of alignmentfixture fingers(158) extend. The alignment fixture fingers(158) arepositioned to correspond to the protrusions on the combustor can(140)that secure the alignment of the second stage high-pressure turbinenozzles(136). When the second stage high-pressure turbine nozzles(136)are placed on the nozzle alignment fixture(154) with the alignmentfixture fingers(158) engaging the notches(142) on the nozzles(136), thesecond stage high-pressure turbine nozzle module(134) can be assembledand disassembled with relative ease. In one embodiment, the second stagehigh-pressure turbine nozzle alignment fixture(142) is supported on aplurality of legs(160).

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the apparatus andmethods disclosed are representative and alternatives will be apparent.One of ordinary skill will also recognize that the tools described maybe utilized together or alone and that many of the tools may be used inthe reassembly of an engine. While the disclosure focuses on an HTF 7000by-pass turbofan engine, the principals disclosed may have applicationsto other similar engines.

I claim:
 1. A tool adapted to remove a low pressure turbine module froma bypass turbofan engine while said bypass turbofan engine'slongitudinal axis is generally horizontal, said tool comprising: anattachment member adapted to connect to said low pressure turbinemodule; and a lift member, said lift member having a lift pointpositioned generally over the center of gravity of said tool and saidconnected low pressure turbine module, said lift point being connectableto a lift.
 2. The tool of claim 1 where: additionally comprising anengagement member detachably connected to said attachment member.
 3. Thetool of claim 2 wherein: said lift member is pivotally connectable tosaid engagement member such that said low pressure turbine module mayrotate about its longitudinal axis when connected to said lift member.4. The tool of claim 1 wherein: said lift member is pivotallyconnectable to said engagement member such that said connected lowpressure turbine module's longitudinal axis may be rotated from beinggenerally horizontal to being generally vertical about a pivot in saidlift member.
 5. The low-pressure turbine module removal tool of claim 1,wherein said lift member compromises: a first member; a second member; abracket connected to said first member; and, said second member beingpivotally connected to said bracket such that said second member may befixed in a first position relative to said second member and rotated toa second position relative to said second member.
 6. The low-pressureturbine module removal tool of claim 1, wherein: said low-pressureturbine module attachment member detachably connects to saidlow-pressure turbine module by compressing a portion of saidlow-pressure turbine module against a portion of said low pressureturbine module attachment member.
 7. The low-pressure turbine moduleattachment member of claim 6, wherein: said low-pressure turbine moduleengagement member has a flange positionable adjacent a low-pressureturbine module lip; and, a plurality of brackets are adapted to compresssaid lip against said flange.
 8. The low-pressure turbine module removaltool of claim 1, wherein: said low-pressure turbine module attachmentmember is detachably connectable to said low pressure turbine module;said low-pressure turbine module attachment member is detachablyconnectable to a hub; and said hub being rotationably connected to saidlift member.
 9. A bypass turbofan bearing nut removal tool adapted foruse with a bypass turbofan engine oriented such that its longitudinalaxis is generally horizontal comprising: a first member adapted toengage a slot; a second member in rotational engagement with said firstmember; said second member adapted to engage a nut; said first and saidsecond member adapted to create counteracting torques such that said nutmay be rotated; and said tool having a replaceable wear surface.